UFC 157 Prelims: Brendan Schaub Neutralizes, Defeats Lavar Johnson

Brendan
Schaub played it as safe as one can play it against someone who
hits like a truck.

Schaub took down Lavar
Johnson repeatedly, threatening him with submissions and
punches en route to a unanimous decision at UFC
157 “Rousey vs. Carmouche” on Saturday at the Honda Center in
Anaheim, Calif. All three judges arrived at the same verdict: 30-27
for Schaub (9-3, 6-3 UFC), who threw the brakes on a two-fight
losing streak.

On the heels of back-to-back knockout losses to Antonio
Rodrigo Nogueira and Ben
Rothwell, Schaub turned to his wrestling. He struck for
multiple takedowns in all three rounds, stayed active from top
position and dodged Johnson’s heavy hands during their brief
standup exchanges.

Kuivanen controlled the first frame with his punching combinations
and constant pressure, but he was faced with an opponent who would
not be denied. Chiesa (9-0, 2-0 UFC) trapped the Fin against the
cage in the second round, took his back as they scrambled to the
mat and began his search for the choke. His efforts succeeded, as
the blade of his forearm slipped under Kuivanen’s chin and brought
the bout to a close.

“I knew the first round was the only one he could win,” Chiesa
said. “The second and third rounds, even if we went to a decision,
I knew I’d take it. Once I catch someone’s back, I don’t give it up
until I choke you.”

Bermudez Outduels Grice in Memorable Scrap

“The Ultimate Fighter” Season 14 finalist Dennis
Bermudez edged Matt Grice by
split decision in a scintillating preliminary featherweight scrap.
All three judges scored it 29-28, two of them siding with Bermudez
(10-3, 3-1 UFC), who has won his last three fights.

Bermudez capitalized on a failed takedown from the decorated
wrestler in the first round, moving to mount and unleashing a
hellacious barrage of punches. Grice (15-5, 2-5 UFC) returned to
his feet and nearly finished it with a wicked left hook. The
buckled Bermudez somehow weathered the clean blow to his chin and
established his foothold with heavy power punches in round two.

Round three was extraordinary. Bermudez set Grice on wobbly legs
with a savage right uppercut and seemed close to forcing the
stoppage on countless occasions. Grice fought back, even as he
appeared out on his feet, but his valiance ultimately went for
naught in an early contender for “Round of the Year.”

Stout Ekes Out Decision Over Fodor

Sam
Stout leaned on accurate punching combinations, trusted
takedown defense and grueling clinch work, as he earned a split
decision over Strikeforce import Caros Fodor
in a competitive undercard clash at 155 pounds. All three cageside
judges scored it 29-28, two of them siding with Stout (19-8-1, 8-7
UFC).

Round one was the most decisive of the three, as Stout surprised
the AMC Pankration export with a takedown, passed to half guard and
eventually moved to mount before threatening Fodor with an armbar
late in the frame. Over the final 10 minutes, the two lightweights
jockeyed for position in the clinch and traded punches, knees and
elbows in close quarters.

Fodor (7-3, 0-1 UFC) has suffered back-to-back defeats for the
first time as a professional.

Robertson (12-2, 1-2) dodged an attempted guillotine choke, set up
shop in top position and moved to his adversary’s back. Soon after,
Jardine was flattened out and desperately trying to free himself.
Robertson first went for a rear-naked choke, but then, while still
riding high on Jardine’s back, he reached behind him and stretched
the leg for the tapout.

Magny Shuts Down Manley

Airtight takedown defense, aggression in the clinch and a stinging
jab carried Neil Magny to
a unanimous decision over Team Link’s Jon Manley in
a preliminary welterweight affair. Magny (8-1, 1-0 UFC) swept the
scorecards with 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 marks.

Quicker to the punch, Magny put his stamp on the match in the
opening minutes and built on his momentum from there. The
25-year-old Miguel
Torres protégé zapped Manley (7-2, 0-1 UFC) with a beautiful
standing elbow and ringing right hand in the second round, closing
the frame in dominating fashion, as he beat upon his turtled foe
with punches and elbows against the cage.

Magny, who defended all but one of Manley’s takedown attempts,
delivered one of his own in round three, eventually moved to mount
and punctuated his first UFC victory with some heavy artillery from
top position.

Burrell Outpoints Blackzilians Prospect Villefort

Nah-Shon
Burrell won for the seventh time in eight fights, as he
captured a unanimous decision from fellow Strikeforce import
Yuri
Villefort in an undercard battle at 170 pounds. All three
cageside judges cast their scorecards in favor of Burrell (9-2, 1-0
UFC): 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

The second-youngest fighter on the UFC roster, Villefort (6-2, 0-1
UFC) saw his best chance at victory come and go in the first round.
There, he struck for a takedown, moved to the Philadelphia native’s
back and threatened to close the deal with a rear-naked choke.
Burrell, who failed to make weight for the bout, freed himself from
the 21-year-old Brazilian’s clutches and ultimately returned to the
safety of his feet.

Burrell answered Villefort’s takedown and submission attempts in
rounds two and three with effective counter punching and heavy
ground-and-pound. During one exchange, he belted the Blackzilians
prospect with roughly a dozen punches to the face and head while
Villefort searched in vain for a heel hook, leaving himself
exposed.